With less than a week to go until the transfer window slams shut, it would be fair to say Chelsea have had another brilliant summer.
The board have more than backed Enzo Maresca with several quality additions all over the pitch.
In attack, the likes of Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens and Liam Delap should help solve the side's finishing issues from last season, and in defence, Jorrel Hato looks like a future star.
chelsea-delap-
The West Londoners aren't done there, though, as they continue to close in on Alejandro Garnacho, although if reports are to be believed, they're now looking to sign another youngster who'd be a big upgrade.
Chelsea target Garnacho upgrade
Chelsea have been involved with several transfer sagas this summer, from Gittens to Xavi Simons, but the one concerning Garnacho has felt like it has dragged on the longest.
The Blues were first linked with the Manchester United ace back in the winter window, but things have really developed over the last few weeks or so.
While there remains a disagreement on the final price between the two clubs, the player has made it crystal clear that he only wants a move to Stamford Bridge, and it now feels like a matter of when, not if, he gets it.
Chelsea-Garnacho
Yet, even so, the West Londoners now appear intent on making another attacking addition to the team in someone who'd be an upgrade on Garnacho.
At least that is according to a recent report from Spanish publication Sport, which claims Chelsea are interested in Fermin Lopez.
In fact, the report goes further, revealing that the Blues have already submitted a bid worth around £50m for the player.
Fermin Lopez fbref similar players
Moreover, another report from Mundo Deportivo has now claimed that the West Londoners have given the player 48 hours to decide if he wants to move to Stamford Bridge.
While that's a lot of money to spend on a youngster, Lopez would be worth it for Chelsea, especially as he'd be an upgrade on Garnacho.
How Lopez compares to Garnacho
So, when comparing two positionally versatile attackers, it makes sense to start with their raw output, as, at the end of the day, they'll be judged by the number of goals and assists they chalk up.
FC Barcelona's Fermin Lopez in action with Las Palmas' Stefan Bajcetic
FC Barcelona's Fermin Lopez in action with Las Palmas' Stefan Bajcetic
Unfortunately for Garnacho, when we do this, it's Lopez who comes out looking far more impressive.
For example, in his 46 appearances for Barcelona last season, totalling just 2039 minutes, the young Spaniard scored eight goals and provided ten assists.
That means he managed to average a goal involvement every 2.55 games, or every 113.27 minutes, which is undeniably impressive for someone his age.
For his efforts, the United ace scored 11 goals and provided ten assists, but did so in 58 appearances, totalling 3568 minutes.
Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho reacts
That translates to a far less impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.76 games, or more crucially, every 169.90 minutes.
The one-sided nature of this comparison only continues when we take a look under the hood, at their underlying numbers.
Lopez vs Garnacho
Statistics per 90
Non-Penalty Expected G+As
Non-Penalty G+As
Progressive Carries
Progressive Passes
Shots on Target %
Passing Accuracy
Key Passes
Passes into the Final Third
Passes into the Penalty Area
Crosses into the Penalty Area
Shot-Creating Actions
Goal-Creating Actions
Tackles Won
Blocks
Successful Take-Ons
Ball Recoveries
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season
When doing this, the "creative" Barça star, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, emerges as the top performer in most relevant metrics.
These include actual and expected non-penalty goals, progressive carries, key passes, shot- and goal-creating actions, tackles won, and more, all per 90.
Spain's Dani Olmo, Marc Cucurella and Fermin Lopez celebrate with the trophy after winning the final
Spain's Dani Olmo, Marc Cucurella and Fermin Lopez celebrate with the trophy after winning the final
In other words, these statistics paint a picture of a player who is a genuine goal threat, an accomplished creator, and more than willing to contribute to the defensive work.
Ultimately, while Garnacho could still be a massive success at Chelsea, it appears that Lopez is the superior player, and by some margin at that.